Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC Learning Center

Regardless of where you live, it’s important to have your home prepared for a potential natural disaster. If you experience a natural disaster, we are here to help. Please visit ourDisaster Assistance page for resources available to you if you are impacted. 

Here are some general tips regarding emergency preparedness: 

• Have an emergency plan. Discuss your plan with your family and identify who is responsible for what in the event of an emergency. 
• Have an emergency supply kit prepared containing nonperishable food, bottled water, medical supplies, any medications and emergency power sources (portable cell phone charger, flashlights and batteries.) 
• Know where your nearest emergency shelter is located and have multiple routes to get there safely. For families with pets, ensure your plan includes accommodations for your pets. 

Additionally, remember to check your insurance coverage on your home. Hazard insurance protects your home and other nearby structures on your property, like a garage, against any damage caused by natural events and is typically a subsection of your homeowners insurance policy. Usually, a certain amount of hazard insurance is required to qualify for a mortgage.  

The cost of hazard insurance differs due to a variety of factors, including where you live and your credit score. In general, hazard insurance will only cover the occurrences listed explicitly in the policy so it’s essential to ensure your hazard insurance covers disasters in your area.  

Not all hazard insurance is the same. Read through your current homeowners insurance policy and clarify with your insurance agent any exclusions or risks your policy may have. You might need to purchase additional coverage to protect against specific events, such as if you purchase a home in a flood zone. Unsure if your current homeowners insurance covers what you need? Covered Insurance can help! 

Spring ushers in a season of renewal, and there’s no better time to enhance your home’s interior! Check out these five trends in the forecast for 2024. 

This Valentine’s Day, love is in the air! Not only does that apply to friends and family, but it also can apply to your home! Now is a great time to show your home a little extra love with some small and simple changes. 

As the festive season rolls in, it's time to get your home in tip-top shape for gatherings, celebrations and time with family. With a few simple precautions, you can ensure a safe and cozy holiday season. Let's dive into some easy tips for holiday home safety and preparation.

We know that buying or selling a home can be one of life’s biggest decisions. Without the right plan and team, you might feel like you don’t know where to begin, or you don’t know what happens next. There are a few easy ways to streamline and simplify the buying and selling process. Let’s dive into these top tips for success!

Fall and winter are just around the corner, and that means it's time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the colder months. With Halloween approaching you might think ghosts and witches are the spookiest visitors around, but higher energy bills and home maintenance issues in the fall and winter can be plenty spooky too! Don't worry, we've got you covered with seven tips to keep your home cozy and comfortable this season.

Property taxes play a significant role in your escrow account balance, and in turn, impact your monthly mortgage payments. Along with increases in home insurance rates, homeowners face property tax increases that can impact their escrow accounts and finances. As local tax rates and property assessments fluctuate, your property tax liability can increase over time. However, there are strategies you can employ to minimize these increases and preserve your financial stability. By taking advantage of available exemptions, budgeting and planning, homeowners can look to maximize their savings and create a more affordable homeownership experience.

Regardless of where you live, it’s important to have your home prepared for a potential natural disaster. If you experience a natural disaster, we are here to help. Please visit our Disaster Assistance page for resources available to you if you are impacted.

One of the best things about spring is that it’s the perfect time to start a garden! If you’re looking to add some fresh, delicious herbs and vegetables to your cooking this spring and upcoming summer, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips on how to grow herbs and vegetables in your spring garden.

It's that time of year again... Spring is here, which means it's time to break out the cleaning supplies and give your home a good deep clean. One area that often gets neglected during cleaning sprees is the closet. Most people tend to think of closets as places to store clothes, not as places that need to be cleaned. But the truth is, your closets can get just as cluttered as the rest of your home. Here are some things to consider, along with a few tips on where to get started.